Fourth Quarter

This quarter, the second grade musicians explored the idea of Improvisation using the Pentatonic Scale, and had the opportunity to improvise melodies while others performed ostinati, using both xylophones and drums.  They continue to read and practice rhythms, and have added the whole note to their previously learned repertoire.  They have explored the concepts of Tempo and Dynamics, as well as the Italian musical terms used to describe both, and can identify and perform using a variety of these expressive elements. 

Third Quarter

The second grade musicians have advanced from singing and playing simple Sol La Mi songs to exploring the Pentatonic scale, through singing songs such as "Ida Red" and playing on xylophones.  They have explored the concept of Ostinato and are creating and playing ostinato patterns on drums, xylophones and with body percussion.  They have compared and contrasted different meters and can identify meters of 2, 3 and 4, using marches, waltzes and sambas. We continue to explore rhythmic movement through dance to songs such as the Baila Bounce, the Rakes of Mallow, and Walking on Sunshine, and by playing rhythm games like Kumalada.  Some of our favorite songs to sing this quarter have been Old Mr. Rabbit, The Rattlin' Bog, and Tony Chester,  and we continue to listen to and appreciate Antonio Vivaldi's "The Four Seasons" as each new season arrives.  

2B Using cups and body percussion while singing "Bobby Shafto"

Using scarves to explore movement and steady beat  to Leroy Anderson's "Syncopated Clock"

Dancing to the Turkey Move and Freeze Dance

First Quarter

The second grade musicians have been exploring the concept of steady beat using body percussion and rhythm instruments such as drums, claves, woodblocks, tambourines and maracas.   They have also explored rhythmic notation using quarter notes, eighth notes and quarter rests through reading and performing by clapping, chanting and playing rhythm instruments.  They have been exploring melodic singing using Sol La Mi songs, such as "Alligator Pie" and "Pizza Pizza Daddy-o," as well as call and response singing and games, such as the "Sol-La-Mi" game.  Other songs we've enjoyed singing include "Aiken Drum," "Down By the Bay," and "My Aunt Came Back."   Recently, we have been learning about various dynamics used in music, including Forte, Mezzo Forte, Mezzo Piano, and Piano through "The Dynamics Song" and the game "Who is in the Forest?"

Two of our favorite songs that we've listened to while reading beautifully illustrated accompanying books are Louis Armstrong's "(What a) Wonderful World" and John Denver's "Take Me Home, Country Roads."

                                           2B                                                                                                              2M

Singing "The Dynamics Song"